Mercedes pays tribute to Stirling Moss at Silverstone

©Mercedes

Mercedes' cars will carry a special tribute emblem on their front nose for this weekend's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, a badge honoring the memory of the great Stirling Moss who passed away earlier this year at 90.

Moss - who drove for Mercedes in F1 in 1955 and finished runner-up in the world championship behind teammate Juan Manuel Fangio - often raced with a horseshoe logo on his cars.

The image includes seven holes, a lucky number for the Moss family which took a keen interest in horse riding.

According to the team, the tribute was suggested by F1 historian Doug Nye.

"Sir Stirling was a larger-than-life figure in our sport and one of the survivors of an age when motor racing was about danger, bravery and camaraderie," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

"But most of all, Stirling's career was characterised by an impeccable sportsmanship and in this he truly set himself apart.

"He was a great figure in the history of Mercedes, both as a Grand Prix driver and the winner of the 1955 Mille Miglia.

"It is no exaggeration to say that we will never see his like again."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.